What is crucial to check during the inspection phase of a control cable?

During the inspection phase of a control cable, it is essential to check for the presence of broken strands. Control cables are designed to handle significant tension and bending stresses, and broken strands can indicate fatigue or damage. The integrity of each strand is vital for the cable's overall performance and safety. A broken strand can compromise the cable's strength, leading to potential failure during operation, which can pose serious safety risks.

In the context of aircraft maintenance and safety, identifying broken strands during inspection ensures that any damaged cables are either repaired or replaced before they can cause malfunctions or accidents. Therefore, recognizing the presence of broken strands is crucial for maintaining the reliability and functionality of the control cable system.

Checking the color of the cable, its length, or the brand provides limited information about the cable's condition and structural integrity, making them less critical in the inspection process compared to identifying broken strands.